BMW solves Mini's major issue, but one query persists.

Over the years, I have reviewed numerous Mini cars and one consistent issue has always stood out: the infotainment display just didn't fit. Despite the interior design adopting a big round central device under BMW's guidance, reminiscent of the original 1960s Minis, the transition to a digital display never quite worked.

The problem stemmed from a rectangular display being inserted into the middle of the round design, resulting in wasted space at the top and bottom. I have mentioned this issue in several reviews, including ones from 2017, 2018, and during the launch of the Mini Electric in 2020.

While Mini has not officially announced the next-generation Mini Electric, we are anticipating the release of a 2024 model in late 2023. Mini has started discussing this upcoming model and has revealed a radical redesign of the central display.

I recently had the opportunity to see the new interior, and I am thrilled about the change that I have been advocating for years. The dashboard has been completely redesigned, and the central round device has been replaced with one large OLED display that encompasses the entire area, rather than just being a central panel.

This OLED display measures a massive 9.5 inches (240mm) in diameter and offers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and an overall sensational appearance based on what I have seen.

This expanded display provides ample space for the infotainment features, which are now animated and fun, with eight different designs that users can swipe through. This aligns with Mini's aim to offer a fun driving experience akin to go-karting, targeting younger buyers. Many of the new Mini's features will reinforce this objective.

However, the significant change does not solely revolve around the large round display. Mini has also adopted a tech feature from the Mini Aceman Concept unveiled in 2022 and incorporated it into the production model. This feature involves internal projectors that can project color across the dashboard, with the projector itself positioned behind the screen. This builds upon the ambient lighting trend that has been prevalent in cars over the past decade.

As a result, there is no separate driver display, as Mini intends for all necessary information to be easily visible on the central display. The plan is for driving information to be presented through a heads-up display instead. The exact balance and effectiveness of this setup will only become clear once we have the opportunity to test it on the road, but it is worth noting that the current Mini dials are already quite minimal.

Moreover, this change marks a transition to Mini Operating System 9, which will be Android-based but not Google-certified. This means that the new system will offer more than just Android apps, although it will support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. Users can expect a new navigation experience, including an augmented reality view on the central display, as well as support for AirConsole gaming (using your phone as the controller) and services like Spotify. Compared to the previous infotainment offering, this upgrade will be nothing short of a revelation.

By addressing the major issue with the legacy Mini cars, Mini has taken a significant step forward. However, one challenge still remains: the electric range.

The Mini Electric's short range, approximately 140 miles, is the second biggest problem I have encountered. While the smaller battery results in a lower price, the issue of range anxiety persists, and having a greater range is always advantageous. Although Mini has not confirmed any technical details about the performance of the new Mini Electric, it has confirmed that it will be an electric vehicle. Mini refers to it as the "new Mini Cooper Electric." With a fresh design and a stunning internal display, the new Mini Electric is an electrifying prospect.